Recent research from a Philadelphia hospital has suggested that women are especially at risk for problems related to anxiety disorders. According to the Anxiety Association of America, studies have shown that women are twice as likely to suffer from an anxiety disorder as men. Some researchers speculate that excessive female anxiety may be due to the fast pace of modern society and its technology, while others think that fatty and sugary foods in modern diets result in changes in the female brain that make it more prone to anxiety.
Hormones are also thought to play a role in the unique response of women to anxiety - research suggests that the male and female brains process hormonal signals differently, meaning that a woman’s brain may be more sensitive than her male counterpart’s to the hormones responsible for the stress reaction. Regardless of the reasoning, chronic anxiety has a negative impact on women’s health, so it is important for women to find ways to combat this condition. Fortunately there are a number of proven ways for women to effectively relieve stress and improve mental wellbeing, according to Dr. Shannon McCallie, an internal medicine specialist at Parkridge East Hospital.
“Regular exercise may lessen feelings of anxiety for women,” Dr. McCallie notes. “There is a large body of research that emphasizes a connection between regular exercise and improved mental condition – in some cases, exercise can work as well as medication at relieving symptoms.” In order to get maximum stress-relieving benefits, women should try to get at least 30 minutes of cardio activity, three or more days a week.
A balanced diet is also key to fighting anxiety. “Recent studies have shown that women who eat healthy foods - such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and fish – are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety,” says Dr. McCallie. Reducing or eliminating caffeine intake may also be helpful for women who are prone to panic attacks or other anxiety-induced problems.
“Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation might also help relieve some of the physical symptoms associated with anxiety, such as insomnia, heart palpitations, and headaches,” notes Dr. McCallie.
The doctor recommends that women seek assistance if symptoms of anxiety continue to impair daily life. “If positive lifestyle changes don’t make a difference, women can visit their primary care physician to discuss treatment options,” she notes. “He or she can provide a referral to a therapist or psychiatrist, or prescribe medications that can help. Gaining control over the symptoms of anxiety will improve overall quality of life, so it is important to seek treatment when needed.”
For more information on finding a primary care physician, call MedLine at (800) 242-5662.